DC’s Got a Brand New Kryptonian Superhero (But There’s a Catch)

Kryptonians are among the strongest beings across the DC universe, capable of significantly influencing intergalactic conflicts or safeguarding planets unlike any others. The reason Superman is hailed as Earth’s greatest hero becomes evident when you consider his formidable abilities. Likewise, Supergirl is another key protector, and she recently demonstrated her mettle by asserting her identity in her hometown of Smallville.

The conclusion of this storyline directly segued into the arrival of a fresh Kryptonian superhero, an exciting boost for the good forces on Earth. However, there’s a twist: this newcomer is actually the supervillain that Supergirl had been battling throughout the previous arc. Meet Lesla-Lar, now known as Luminary, Earth’s latest hero – for better or worse.

Luminary, the Probationary Hero

Following the turmoil Lesla instigated in Midvale, she was returned to the City of Kandor for trial over her misdeeds. As Supergirl was considered a negative influence on Lesla, she too faced trial. In the end, Supergirl was given community service that she had already completed, while Lesla received a lengthy imprisonment sentence. However, Supergirl appealed on behalf of Lesla to serve her time in making amends for her errors. Offering to act as Lesla’s probation officer while performing heroic duties on Earth, Supergirl’s proposal was accepted by the Science Council. The two Kryptonian girls then returned to Earth, where Lesla opted for a fresh identity to join forces with her role model and previous adversary; Luminary.

In their skybound missions across Midvale, Supergirl and Luminary were busy saving buses, rescuing people from fires, but both females felt uneasy about the partnership. Kara pondered whether she could be an effective mentor for someone so inexperienced, especially given her past memories of Superman’s stringent guidance that sometimes resembled a disliked overbearing teacher in her childhood years. On the other hand, Lesla questioned her worthiness of associating with the illustrious Supergirl, considering her past actions. Despite Supergirl’s earlier support when there was no reason to do so, Lesla worried she was incapable or insufficient. Both women harbored apprehensions about letting down their dependent counterpart; however, they chose to suppress their fear upon Lena Luthor’s suggestion of attending a party at Midvale’s local Goth club.

Dancing With Danger

The trio of women transformed their appearances with a gothic twist and ventured off to the dance, aiming to offer Lesla a glimpse into human nature and present Kara with an alternative perspective on the town she found mundane at its heart. However, they struggled to enjoy the music as Lesla spotted Howard bothering Luna Lustrum, another character with an alliterative L-name in the storyline. Lesla successfully chased away the troublesome Howard and attempted to forge a bond with Luna. Simultaneously, Kara became smitten by a man who bore a striking resemblance to someone she had encountered before on the dance floor, but trouble was brewing before she could learn his identity. Howard, in retaliation for Lesla’s earlier intervention, attempted to attack her, and in response, Lesla used a powerful substance she had secreted from Kandor to protect herself. This substance cushioned her punch, but unfortunately, some of it landed in Howard’s mouth, which triggered an immediate reaction to his drunken aggression, resulting in him transforming into the monster known as Decay.

In this engaging tale, Supergirl and Luminary engage in a fierce fight against him. Meanwhile, Lesla expresses regret for breaching her probation by retaining some of her super-enhancing substance. Decay continues to absorb people, leading Luminary to notice that the goo reacts not only to Howard’s anger but also to civilians’ fear, exacerbating Decay’s instability. Kara, in a selfless act, decides to allow herself to be absorbed in an attempt to counterbalance the negativity with her positivity. With Luminary’s belief in Supergirl providing additional support, Supergirl manages to rescue everyone from Decay’s grasp. By story’s end, Luna becomes Lesla’s friend and is found to possess psionic abilities. Remarkably, a small cat inadvertently consumes some of the remaining super-substance, leaving it unknown that all of it was not recovered. This comic exudes the charm of the Silver Age, and I find myself genuinely enjoying its unique character and style. Here’s hoping Lesla’s heroic journey continues to unfold!

Supergirl #4 is on sale now!

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2025-08-15 22:05